When to Use a VPN – And When You Shouldn’t

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become a popular tool for businesses and individuals alike. With increasing concerns about data privacy, surveillance, and cyber threats, VPNs offer a way to encrypt internet traffic and protect sensitive information from prying eyes.

But while VPNs are powerful, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution, and in some cases, using one might not make sense at all.

In this blog, we’ll break down when using a VPN is essential, when it’s unnecessary (or even counterproductive), and what your business should consider when deciding whether to use one.

When You Should Use a VPN

1. Working Remotely or Using Public Wi-Fi: VPNs are essential for anyone working remotely—especially when connecting via public Wi-Fi in cafés, airports, or hotels. These networks are often unsecured and can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. A VPN encrypts your data, protecting sensitive business information, passwords, and communications.

2. Accessing Region-Locked Services or Files: If your business has employees in different countries or you travel often, a VPN allows secure access to services, websites, or internal systems that are only available in certain regions.

3. Bypassing ISP Throttling: Some internet service providers (ISPs) slow down your connection when streaming or uploading large files. A VPN can mask your activity, preventing throttling and allowing smoother, faster access.

4. Securing Confidential Communications: Whether you're sending client data, internal documents, or just logging into your business apps, a VPN adds an extra layer of encryption—especially valuable when handling sensitive or regulated information.

5. Enforcing Company-Wide Security Policies: Many IT departments use VPNs to ensure all traffic from employees routes through secure, monitored connections. This is critical for industries that deal with private health, legal, or financial data.

When You Might Not Need a VPN

1. Trusted, Secured Networks: If you’re at home or in the office and the network is already secured, using a VPN might not be necessary—especially if your data is already encrypted via HTTPS or secured by your business’s firewall.

2. Speed-Critical Activities (Streaming, Gaming, Video Calls): VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection due to the added encryption layer. For bandwidth-heavy tasks like video conferencing or cloud-based design tools, you may experience lag or performance issues, depending on the VPN provider.

3. Using Internal Tools That Don’t Support VPN Access: Some business applications or collaboration tools don’t play nicely with VPNs. In these cases, forcing VPN usage may cause connectivity issues or reduce productivity.

4. If You’re Using a Zero Trust Security Model: Some modern businesses are moving away from VPNs in favour of Zero Trust models. These use device verification, user behaviour, and access controls to secure systems without routing everything through a central VPN.

Best Practices for VPN Use in Business

• Choose a trusted VPN provider (avoid free VPNs; they often compromise security).

• Use split tunnelling when appropriate, allowing some traffic to bypass the VPN if performance is an issue.

• Monitor VPN usage for unusual activity or unauthorized access attempts.

• Regularly update VPN software and enforce secure authentication methods (e.g., MFA).

• Train employees on how and when to use VPNs correctly.

  
  

Need Help Securing Your Remote Workforce?

VPNs are just one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. Whether you're building a remote-friendly business or want to tighten your security protocols, we can help.

As your IT partner, we’ll assess your needs, recommend the right tools, and implement secure solutions—from VPNs to Zero Trust frameworks—so you can work with confidence, anywhere.

Get in touch with us today for a no-obligation consultation.